Question

What does Algernon call the practice of keeping an imaginary friend/relation?

• A. Willoughbyism
• B. Bunburyism
• C. Hydeism
• D. Bunyanism

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Bunburyism

• Algernon calls the practice of keeping an imaginary friend or relation "Bunburying."

• He invents an invalid friend named Bunbury who conveniently falls ill whenever Algernon wants to escape boring social obligations, such as dining with Lady Bracknell. He explains to Jack:

• "You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that you may be able to come up to town as often as you like. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose. Bunbury is perfectly invaluable."

• Through the concept of "Bunburying," Wilde satirizes the hypocrisy and double lives of the upper class, showing how people maintain false identities to enjoy freedom while avoiding responsibility.